The Male Characters in "Pride and Prejudice"

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Jane Austen has a great talent for developing her characters into what she envisions. Jane Austen’s effective use of character development is best displayed by the male characters in Pride and Prejudice, where the male characters are not what they first appear to the reader. Mr. Wickham, who first appears to be prince charming, ends up almost the exact opposite. Mr. Bingley, who is initially shy but friendly, grows in his confidence, courage, and independence. And last, Mr. Darcy learns he does not know it all, he needs others.

Throughout Pride and Prejudice, the characters continually develop. They change and their true personality is exposed. When someone is first introduced, a small amount of their personality is revealed. After a person has been known for awhile, a true picture of their personality comes out. It may be, come to find out, they are completely different than they were first perceived. As they become more comfortable with their situation and surroundings, so they begin to let their true character shine through. As the story continues, the reader becomes better acquainted the characters better, and their true selves are revealed. Some of the characters even grow and change throughout the story, becoming more mature with their ideas and actions. Jane Austen’s use of character development in Pride and Prejudice is immaculate. She really grasps her characters, making them incredibly believable. She is able to develop them to their full potential, causing her story to be full of emotion and passion.

When Jane Austen first introduces Mr. Wickham, he is portrayed as the perfect man. He’s charming, generous, handsome, and respectful. When anyone meets Mr. Wickham, they are immediately captivated by his ch...

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...e had genuinely become humble.

Jane Austen’s great writing talent is shown throughout her story, Pride and Prejudice. The way she develops her characters, particularly the main male characters, draws in the reader. Mr. Wickham, who first is seemed to be the perfect man, sweet charming, and respectful, is actually later in the story revealed to be selfish, self-consumed, and greedy. Mr. Bingley who is sweet, shy, and friendly learns to become more independent and confident throughout the story. Last but not least, Mr. Darcy, who is prideful, snobby, and pompous, becomes the complete opposite. Towards the end of the story the reader sees his changes: he is humbled, sensitive, and is able to show his vulnerability. Jane Austen makes her characters come alive to the reader. The way in which she shows her characters growth throughout the story is pure genius.

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